E3 2009: Halo 3 ODST Firefight mode hands on

Bungie / Microsoft Game StudiosPressing the X button brings up a visor which outlines geometry, enemies, and friendlies in yellow, red, and green, respectively.

Playable on the show floor, Halo 3:ODST's Firefight mode redefines the concept of tackling wave after wave of enemy AI with three friends. Playing as a 4 man squad of ODST, Firefight feels like Gears of War 2's Horde mode. But better.

Full impressions after the break.

Instead of controlling a hulking chunk of meat ducking for cover at every turn, you play as the second most badass unit in the UNSC--an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper. ODST taking place in first person as opposed to third person makes the experience that much more immersive--a monstrous Brute Chieftain or Hunter staring down at you wouldn't instill fear the way it does if the camera was pulled back.

Playing as someone other than a Spartan means a few things have changed. First and foremost: falling damage is back. If you jump from a platform higher than you should, expect your health bar to take a hit. Don't worry though, you can replenish it between waves with a handy dandy med kit.

Bungie / Microsoft Game StudiosNotice that during the daylight there is less color saturation and HDR lighting.

Secondly, you can't use equipment or dual wield weapons anymore. Instead, the X button is used to bring up a secondary visor mode that highlights and outlines enemies and friendly forces alike.

While the idea that you can't brandish an SMG and plasma pistol at the same time anymore might disappoint some, the fact hat the original pistol is back in it's 2x scoped glory should satiate hardcore fans of the series.

Players are confronted with the task of taking out never ending waves of enemies, growing progressively more difficult with each consecutive wave, with the fifth wave always being comprised of a squad of Brute Chieftains. I was able to rack up a ton of double and triple kills on Grunts in the early waves, and even managed to take out a few Hunters pretty easily.

Bungie / Microsoft Game StudiosFirefight mode makes co-operation among your teammates a must if you want to advance.

Players share a pool of seven initial lives, with additional lives doled out based on performance and scoring. Campaign scoring is present in Firefight replete with medals--and most likely achievements-- exclusive to it as well.

After my ten minute play session I was hooked. Firefight looks to be the perfect co-op mode for players like myself whose skill is severely lacking compared to their friends' and those who don't like the idea of adversarial combat being the only alternative from campaign co-op.